Saudi Arabia & Syria: New Financial Assistance & Investments, Sanctions Lifted!

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus, the capital of Syria, on a visit that marked a new turning point in the two countries’ relations and a significant boost to regional efforts to restore Syria to its rightful place in the Arab world. The visit was notable for its symbolism and significance.

Following years of political distance, this action makes it abundantly evident that Saudi Arabia is determined to rebuild its relationship with Syria in a way that reflects a strategic, political, and economic partnership. These are the visit’s specifics!

A Visit with Several Takeaways

The visit, which happened in the final two days of May 2025, had a significant practical component, observers said, and was not just a formal meeting. As part of a high-level Saudi economic delegation, the Saudi minister met with Syrian interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa at Tishreen Palace after starting his tour with prayers at the Umayyad Mosque, a symbolic representation of the Kingdom and Syria’s cultural and spiritual ties.

Minister Faisal bin Farhan and his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Al-Shaibani, held a joint press conference after the meeting. Emphasising that the next phase will see a new dynamic in bilateral relations, both parties agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially the economy and investment.

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An Economic Partnership & Recovery Investment

Prince Faisal confirmed at the press conference that the Kingdom anticipates a strategic partnership with Syria that will hasten the country’s economic recovery. His visit, he said, is the outcome of a new political strategy supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman, which seeks to allow Syria to reclaim its Arab and regional position.

The Minister disclosed that the Kingdom, working with the State of Qatar, had jointly offered financial assistance to Syrian public sector employees for three months. Additionally, he mentioned many meetings with Syrian officials that will soon result in concrete projects in important areas like food, energy, communications, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors.

A Crucial Saudi Role in the Post-Sanctions Era

The visit’s most notable feature was Saudi Arabia’s attempts to work with its allies to lift sanctions on Syria. This was a significant step that confirmed the Kingdom’s role as a major player in the Syrian issue. The minister from Saudi Arabia said, “We stand with Syria today, not out of courtesy, but rather out of a firm conviction that stability in this brotherly country means stability for the entire region.”

He added, “The Syrian people have demonstrated their resilience in the face of adversity, and we have faith that they can rebuild their nation on their own. The Kingdom will support them in this endeavour, step by step, as directed by the Saudi leadership, which holds that brothers always support one another during trying times.”

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Al-Shara: Partnership with Riyadh is a National Priority

Ahmad al-Shara, the interim president of Syria, stated that his nation is happy to see normal relations restored with Saudi Arabia because the alliance between Riyadh and Damascus has a strategic component that benefits the Arab world.

He added, “Saudi Arabia’s assistance in promoting stability in Syria and removing sanctions has had a profound effect on Syrian society, and the time has come for a new era in which strong ties are based on respect and common interests.”

Al-Shaibani: Saudi Arabia is a Key Partner

Rebuilding infrastructure, boosting the local economy, and generating long-term employment opportunities are the top priorities for the next phase of Syria-Kingdom economic cooperation, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani said during the conference.

Al-Shaibani said, “Temporary assistance is not what we want.  Instead, we think the only way to help a true recovery is through successful partnerships.  The actions taken by Saudi Arabia in recent years, especially the lifting of sanctions, were not merely symbolic; rather, they were practical measures that improved people’s lives.”

Following the visit, Doha and Riyadh announced a three-month financial assistance package for Syrian public sector employees. This is a continuation of bilateral efforts to speed up recovery and lessen the financial burdens on Syrians.

This support builds on a prior contribution from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to settle Syria’s World Bank debts, demonstrating both nations’ increasing dedication to supporting development initiatives and re-establishing Syria’s economic equilibrium.

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Economic Delegations Explore Potential Investments

Key topics, including energy, tourism, industry, and agriculture, were discussed in lengthy working sessions between the Saudi economic delegation and its Syrian counterparts during the visit. The Kingdom has demonstrated a strong desire to invest in significant strategic projects, according to Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad Al-Bashir, who added that specialised meetings to sign agreements in these areas will soon take place.

Al-Bashir clarified that integrated investment projects, such as technology transfer, infrastructure development projects, and support for agricultural industries, will be spearheaded by the appropriate Saudi authorities and will give the reconstruction process a significant boost.

Betting on the Future

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit to Damascus, along with the political and economic messages that went along with it, signifies a significant change in the direction of the two nations’ relationship. It demonstrates a strong desire to put an end to years of alienation and start over with cooperative efforts, regional integration, and a practical response to the demands of the present.

This Saudi openness, backed by Qatar, will undoubtedly set Syria on the path to re-entering the Arab political and economic arena and give it a genuine chance to re-establish itself as a powerful and active state in its region.

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